COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 09, 2019

QUESTION NO. 10

QUESTION: Councillor Eoin Ó Broin

Since the programme for energy retrofitting social homes started how many homes by local electoral area have been retrofitted in SDCC and what are the new energy ratings of the same homes? Related to this, in July Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government, Eoghan Murphy announced the allocation of a further €25 million in funding for the programme of which €1,037,718 is to go to SDCC. What social homes will be retrofitted with this new tranche of funding and what should their new energy ratings be?

REPLY:

The delivery of the Council's Energy Retrofitting Programme for our social housing stock is classified into two geographical areas: North of the Naas Road (Clondalkin/Lucan/Newcastle Area) and South of the Naas Road (Tallaght/Rathfarnham/Rathcoole Area).  Since the programme commenced in 2013, 1,873 social homes (773 North of the Naas Road and 1100 South of the Naas Road) have undergone upgrade works consisting of complete attic insulation/ventilation, pumping of cavity walls, bathroom/kitchen ventilation and draught-proofing measures.

Houses upgraded in the programme are surveyed prior to work being undertaken and a BER certificate is provided following completion of the works.  Generally, the works involved result in a minimum BER rating of C for the properties which, due to the age and profile, range from D to F/G beforehand. 

Following the latest tender process in this programme, the Council has appointed contractors for energy upgrade works to homes in Neilstown, Dunawley, Glenshane and Quarry Drive with additional areas to be assigned for works in 2020 under further tenders currently being prepared.  These upgrades greatly benefit tenants through lower heating costs and will also result in lower carbon footprints for the areas concerned.